I tried threading the handle on my Maggard and Phoenix head, but the threads were too far gone. I could only get it about halfway. I believe both sets of threads got messed up during transport. I couldn't put another handle on the head, and the handle wouldn't go on any other head. I just don't want to spend another 7$ on shipping. That'd bring me up to a total of 19$ to get a functional razor if you combine the original cost for the defective razor.
Shave 1 no issues. I did my typical 3 pass shave with a fresh Ladas blade (not my favorite blade, but a good stainless blade that should give me a fair comparison). Not BBS, but it is never BBS unless I pull out a super aggressive razor and/or use pressure. I didn't feel any problems with the razor. The balance is good, the weight is good. I wish the handle were a little thicker, but that isn't a deal breaker. It is a good handle and an average diameter, I just have large hands and am used to handling something thicker. My normal go to razor is a Weber with the thicker bulldog handle. So anything else feels small. The knurling is fine, and for those that want more grip, try shaving with a Goodfella - after a while you will see that this is plenty of grip. It isn't as aggressive as an EJ89. It is more aggressive than a Lord L6 (but not by much). That puts it in a good place for my daily 3 pass shaves.
OK, today was the day. I had my first shave with the DeFitch DE91 razor. As stated before, the razor itself is a fine piece of workmanship. The fit and finish is remarkable. I used a Personna Super Stainless for this shave. When I put it in, I wanted to check the alignment. Visually, it looked like there was some little play from side to side, but not much. I centered the blade and continued to my shave. I lathered with Mitchell's Wool Fat Shave Soap and began my shave. I was expecting a very mild razor, but was pleasantly surprised. It was not "aggressive", but it was not "mild." This razor is about a 6 or 7 on my fatboy. It is just right. After the first pass, I deliberately loosened the head and tried to push the blade to one side. I tightened it back down and finished my shave. I am very happy to say that it did not seem to make a lick of difference. This razor is an excellent value and will stay in my den. I would definitely recommend it to someone new to DE wet shaving. Thanks DeFitch for producing this quality razor and for giving us the opportunity to grab one at the inconceivable price of $5.
I bought both versions, they sent a 20% off purchase since the $5 offer ran out. They both seem like good quality razors, I want to use both before I commit to a GREAT deal.
The DeFitch Closed Comb Safety Razor First off, big thanks to DeFitch for making this available at such a great intro price. I used it with the above items today for my normal two pass routine. Happily, the shave turned out great, much like it does with any r89 type head, though this particular head seems a bit milder than my Utopia. I would rate the aggresiveness as being similar to a Gilette Fat Boy on about 5. The fit and finish on my razor are very nice, and the head aligned well with the blade when assembled. The mass and diameter of the handle were quite pleasing, and honestly I didn't notice much about this razor as I shaved! That's a good thing! The DeFitch DE will be staying in my collection on a permanent basis, and most razors don't make that cut. I would reccomend this razor to shavers of all experience and skill levels, and is a good value at list price. This razor will also be getting a more extended look this month, I have scheduled five more shaves with it for my DEcember 30 Day focus! Thanks again to the DeFitch folks, your razor was a joy to use! @Darkbulb
Has anyone compared this razor to a Gillette Adjustable, or a Weber PH, I shave with my Gillette Adjustables @ 7 and my Weber is abut a 6 and needs more touch up, I use either Personna Reds, Crystal or Astra SP , So my question is, Is the DeFitch razor more or less aggressive or at what setting on the Gillette Slim, BB, FB would you compare it with?
No, in my opinion is not as aggressive as the Weber. It is a touch less aggressive and a touch less comfortable. But it is close... Shave 2, I used worse lather today so that I could really feel what was going on and see what the razor would do to me. The day 2 Ladas blades could certainly be felt doing their thing with a lots of tiny tugs. I was sure I was going to end up with a bad shave, or irritation all over my neck. My Weber wouldn't feel like this with the lather and blade I was using. However, it didn't hurt, the blade wasn't dull, it was cutting and working just fine. Near BBS shave, no immidiate irritation, but one tiny tiny blood spot was seen in cream on the razor at the end of a stroke. Here we are at the end of the day, and I don't see any razor bumps. So not as smooth as the Weber, but still one good shave. Next test... I am going to skip a day and then tackle 2 days of growth with a 3rd day Ladas. I suppose I would put it at a 5 on the Fatboy scale. Maybe a 4. It has been a long time since I used any of my adjustable razors (been mostly weber only for over a year).
I think I'll pass on the DeFitch , maybe something a bit more aggressive is a better option. Thanks guys.
Well, I've shaved with single edge, double edge, and straight razors and have never managed to cut my cheek like I did with my trial run with the De Fitch. Don't worry, it was purely operator error. I'm used to swapping hands when using my straights but don't normally swap with a safety razor. When I noticed that I was using my off hand I thought "I'd better swap hands, I want to review this razor in a manner that I normally use." As I went to swapped back to my (dominant) left I moved the razor latterly before I had picked it up off my cheek and Bam! A nice 3/4 " gash. It was a clean cut that didn't start bleeding right away so I persevered and finished up. 3 passes and I called it a DFS. I might have gotten closer, but wanted to get done and take care of the cut. I used Soap Commander Courage, the Stirling Kong brush, and a Gillette Yellow blade. The grip and heft of the razor were nice, it feels like a much more expensive unit. After the shave I had some minor irritation, but I'm sure with a couple of shaves I could perfect the angle and eliminate that. All I can do is agree that at it's price point, the De Fitch is a great razor.
More of a trade than a PIF. He PIF'd to me to start, and then I remembered I had the code so I just had it sent to him. So long story short, it was kinda repaying him for PIF'ing me.
